Female Amusements and Employment

But if the rougher sex by this fierce sport Is hurried wild, let not such horrid joy E'er stain the bosom of the British fair. Far be the spirit of the chace from them! Uncomely courage, unbeseeming skill; To spring the fence, to rein the prancing steed: The cap, the whip, the masculine attire In which they roughen to the sense, and all The winning softness of their sex is lost. In them 'tis graceful to dissolve at woe; With every motion, every word, to wave Quick o'er the kindling cheek, the ready blush; And from the smallest violence to shrink, Unequal, then the loveliest in their fears; And by this silent adulation, soft, To their protection more engaging man. O, may their eyes no miserable sight, Save weeping lovers, see! a nobler game, Thro' love's enchanting wiles pursu'd, yet fled, In chace ambiguous. May their tender limbs Float in the loose simplicity of dress! And, fashion'd all to harmony, alone Know they to seize the captivated soul, In rapture warbled from soft-breathing lips; To teach the lute to languish; with smooth step, Disclosing motion in its every charm, To swim along and swell the mazy dance; To train the foliage o'er the snowy lawn; To guide the pencil, turn the tuneful page; To lend new flavour to the fruitful year, And heighten nature's dainties; in their race To rear their graces into second life; To give society its highest taste; Well order'd home man's best delight to make; And by submissive wisdom, modest skill, With every gentle care-eluding art, To raise the virtues, animate the bliss, And sweeten all the toils of human life: This be the female dignity and praise.